Being rear-ended by a commercial truck is a harrowing experience, especially if you’re in a regular-sized car. Rear-end collisions involving large trucks can lead to devastating damage and serious injuries due to the sheer size and force of the commercial vehicle accident. These rear end accidents often result in costly medical treatments, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation.
When seeking compensation after a truck accident, it’s important to understand that the average truck accident settlement can vary widely based on factors such as the severity of the injuries and the extent of property damage. Consulting a personal injury lawyer is crucial to ensure your rights are protected and to help you secure a fair settlement. Whether the car accident resulted in minor injuries or life-changing consequences, a skilled attorney can guide you through the process and help you pursue compensation for your losses.
If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, don’t wait—get the legal support you need to fight for the settlement you deserve.
Injuries in a rear-end truck accident
Being rear-ended by a commercial truck can cause a range of serious injuries, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. The type and severity of the injuries in rear end accident cases often depend on various factors, such as the speed of the truck, the size and weight of the truck, and the position and condition of the occupants in the vehicle that was rear-ended.
Rear-end collisions involving large trucks are classified as commercial vehicle accidents and can lead to complex truck accident settlements due to the extensive damage and medical costs involved. Victims may face long-term recovery periods, requiring significant financial support. Consulting a personal injury attorney is essential for navigating the claims process and securing the maximum possible compensation.
Whether it’s a minor crash or a devastating truck accident, understanding your rights and the potential outcome of a rear-ended by a commercial truck settlement can make all the difference in achieving justice and financial recovery.
Some common injuries that can result from being rear-ended by a truck include:
Whiplash: This is a common injury that occurs when the head and neck are jerked forward and then backward suddenly, causing strain on the muscles and ligaments of the neck.
Spinal injuries: The force of the impact can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in injuries such as herniated discs or fractures.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A TBI can occur if the head is struck during the collision, leading to a range of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory loss and cognitive difficulties.
Broken bones: The force of the impact can cause fractures to the bones in the body, such as the ribs, arms, and legs.
Internal injuries: Being rear-ended by a truck can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding or organ damage.
PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder): The trauma of the accident can result in emotional and psychological distress that can affect a person’s mental health.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately following a truck accident to evaluate and treat any injuries, as well as to document them for insurance purposes.
Is an employer liable for an employee’s accident?
If you are rear-ended by a truck, the driver’s employer may be liable for any damages or injuries you sustained, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Generally, employers can be held liable for the actions of their employees when the employee is acting within the scope of their employment.
For example, if the truck driver was working for a company at the time of the accident and was driving the truck as part of their job duties, the employer may be held responsible for any injuries or damages caused by the rear end collision.
However, if the truck driver was using the truck for personal reasons at the time of the rear ended accident, such as running personal errands, then their employer may not be held liable for the accident.
In any truck accident case, if you are rear-ended by a truck, it is important to gather as much information as possible about the accident, including the name of the trucking company, the driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance information. You should also seek medical attention immediately and consult with a personal injury attorney who can advise you on your legal rights and options.
How much are most rear-ended semi truck accident settlements?
It is difficult to estimate the average settlement amount for an 18-wheeler accident in Texas, as the amount of compensation that may be awarded in a settlement can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
Some of the factors that can influence the settlement amount in a rear end collision settlement include the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim, the extent of medical expenses incurred, the amount of lost income or earning capacity resulting from the accident, and the level of negligence or fault on the part of the trucking company or their driver. The settlement value may also depend on the extent of property damage caused and the roles of the parties involved.
Other factors that can impact a truck accident claim include the negotiating skills of the victim’s personal injury lawyer, the strength of medical records supporting the case, and the willingness of insurance companies or the defendant to reach a fair settlement amount. The legal process can be complex, and a skilled attorney can help navigate negotiations to ensure a favorable outcome.
In general, truck accident settlements for rear end collisions involving commercial trucks can be substantial, especially if the accident resulted in serious injuries or fatalities. The average settlement payout can range from tens of thousands of dollars to several million dollars, depending on the circumstances of the case. To better understand your case and options, consider scheduling a free consultation with a trusted attorney to guide you through the claims process and help secure the compensation you deserve.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we’ve helped clients secure up to $15 million in settlements for truck accidents. For more information, visit our case results page.
What impacts the value of a rear-end 18-wheeler accident settlement?
There are several crucial factors that can impact the value of your rear end accident settlement in truck accident cases. Rear end truck accidents can lead to severe injuries that require extensive treatment, resulting in high medical expenses and ongoing medical bills. The extent of insurance coverage for all vehicles involved also plays a significant role in determining the final payout.
Bear in mind that every situation is different—there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to truck accident settlements. Factors such as the severity of the crash, the number of motor vehicle accidents on record, and whether the collision involved multiple rear end crashes all contribute to the outcome. The average settlement can vary significantly based on these factors, but securing fair compensation is possible with the right legal support to ensure your financial and medical needs are met.
We outline some of the major elements that will be taken into consideration when calculating your fair compensation.
The extent of property damage: The amount of damage to your vehicle can impact the value of your settlement. If your vehicle was severely damaged or totaled, this can drastically increase the value of your claim.
The severity of injuries: The extent and severity of your injuries are one of the most significant factors that can affect the value of your settlement. If you sustained serious or permanent injuries, such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury or amputation, your settlement will likely be higher.
Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation and ongoing care, can all play a part in how much money you can get.
Lost wages: If you had to miss work due to your severe injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages as part of your settlement.
Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering—including physical pain, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life—can also impact the value of your settlement.
Comparative fault: If you were partially at fault for the accident, this can decrease the value of your settlement.
Insurance coverage: The amount of insurance coverage available may have an effect on how much compensation you can get. If the at-fault party has limited insurance coverage, it may be more difficult to obtain a higher settlement.
Legal representation: The quality of your legal representation can also impact the value of your settlement. An experienced rear-end truck accident lawyer from Angel Reyes & Associates will be able to negotiate a higher settlement on your behalf.
Finding the best commercial truck accident lawyer in Texas
If you’ve been rear-ended by a semi-truck and don’t know what your options are, your best course of action is to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney in the field. As we’ve touched on in this article, you have a much better chance of obtaining a fair and robust settlement after a truck accident if you secure the services of a specialized lawyer.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we have a team of Dallas truck accident lawyers with more than 30 years of experience dealing with cases just like yours. Our trained commercial vehicle accident attorneys have secured more than $1 billion fighting for justice.